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Cell Freezing Reagents

Scientist, wearing blue gloves, placing cryovial of cells in to a cryostorage box

Cell lines, primary cells, and genetically-modified cell stocks are among the most valuable and difficult-to-replace resources in the life science, biotechnology, or pharma development laboratory. Techniques and tools for appropriately freezing cells and resuscitating them from cryostorage in liquid nitrogen are among the most critical methods in cell culture. Preventing the formation of intracellular ice crystals and minimizing cell stress is paramount to maintaining cell viability during cryopreservation.  We offer an extensive line of sterile-filtered, application-tested cryoprotectants like DMSO as well as ready-to-use cell freezing media with and without DMSO that are designed to maximize cell viability during the freezing and thawing processes.   

A bottle labeled “Dimethyl Sulfoxide” flanked by two ampoules containing the same solution.

Ready-to-use Cell Freezing Media

Convenient cell freezing media reagents eliminate the need to titrate DMSO concentrations, and are also available in DMSO-free formulations.

  • CryoStor® cell cryopreservation media is available in 2%, 5%, and 10% concentrations, as well as a DMSO-free formulation, CryoSOFree™.
  • pZerve™ is a cryopreservation solution for serum-containing or serum-free culture that does not contain dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), fetal bovine serum or other animal-derived ingredients
  • EmbryoMax® 2X Freezing Medium for ES (embryonic stem) cells, formulated with 20% DMSO & fetal bovine serum
  • HypoThermosol® FRS Preservation Solution enhances and extends storage of cells, tissues, and organs at 2 – 8 °C

DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) for Cell Cryopreservation

Dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO is an organic solvent that is used as a cryoprotectant when cells are frozen down for cryostorage.  As a component of cell freezing media, DMSO protects cells by preventing the formation of both extracellular and intracellular ice crystals. Choose from DMSO reagents that

  • Meet USP and EP testing specifications
  • Are BioPerformance certified for cell culture
  • Are suitable for hybridoma
  • Are tested for plant cell culture applications

Related Technical Articles

  • CryoStor® Cryopreservation Protocol

    Cryopreservation efficacy - which includes post-thaw recovery, viability, and functionality is of importance to both research and clinical applications. The cumulative stresses that result from the cryopreservation process and suboptimal freeze media result in cell death from necrosis and apoptosis.

  • Cell Culture Fundamentals: Cryopreservation and Storage of Cell Lines

    Overview on liquid nitrogen storage and freezing of cell stocks for cell line cryopreservation purposes. Free ECACC handbook download.

Related Product Categories
Classical Media & Buffers
Choose from a range of optimized cell culture media formulations, including DMEM, RPMI-1640, and serum-free options for diverse cellular needs.
Mammalian Cell Lines
Cell lines from human and other mammalian species are essential for modeling disease and biological systems, and are critical tools for protein, antibody, virus, and vaccine production. We offer authenticated, contaminant-free cell lines, many in partnership with ECACC.
Primary Cells
Primary cells are derived directly from living tissue and closely replicate the physiology of biological systems. Our collection includes blood, patient tumor xenografts, and hepatocytes essential for drug screening and ADME/Tox studies.
Stem Cells
Our complete range of ES and iPS cell-qualified products includes stem cell lines and media for differentiation and maturation, and provides stem cell researchers with convenient and cost-effective solutions for the reliable culture of pluripotent stem cells.
Stericup® Vacuum Filters
Next-gen Stericup® Quick Release: upgraded design enhances usability, streamlines filtration, safeguards cell cultures with Millipore® membranes.
Millipore® Sterile Filters
Seamless Sterile Filtration: Choose us for reliable Stericap® & Steripak® devices, ensuring sterile, quality solutions from mL to 20 L.
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Mammalian Cell Culture
Applications, principles, and methods for in vitro mammalian cell culture including links to articles, protocols, and videos for proper aseptic technique, passaging and subculturing, and culture media considerations.
Primary Cell Culture
Primary cells isolated directly from human and animal sources maintain physiological relevance of the tissues from which they are derived, and are used for ADME/Tox screening. Find applications and methods for culturing mammalian primary cells in vitro.
Stem Cell Culture
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Related Videos

Video: Crystor Cryopreservation Protocol
Watch demonstrated procedures for freezing, storage, and thawing of cells, as well as a viability assessment of cells post-thaw.

Video: Cell Freezing Tips
Freezing cells and preserving cell lines is important for maintaining a lab’s valuable resources over the years. This tutorial explains the protocol for cellular cryopreservation and the key considerations when freezing cell stocks. Learn how to minimize damage to your cells during freezing and about the solutions that can be used as cryopreservation media.

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